Targeted Mutant Alpha-Helical Bundle Cytokines

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This patent describes a novel approach to delivering cytokines, specifically modified alpha-helical bundle cytokines (such as interferons), to targeted cell types. By engineering cytokines with reduced general receptor affinity (meaning less activity and fewer side effects in non-target cells) and fusing them with a targeting component like an antibody (e.g., a nanobody), the construct specifically delivers cytokine action to cells that express particular surface markers, such as those found on tumors or virus-infected cells. This strategy retains therapeutic benefits at the target while minimizing harmful systemic effects.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Targeted cancer therapies, particularly for types expressing specific markers (such as Her2 in breast cancer or CD20 in B cell lymphoma).
• Treatment of viral infections by delivering interferons directly to infected cells, potentially reducing systemic toxicity.
• Selective modulation of immune cell subtypes in autoimmune or inflammatory diseases.
• Treatment of bone degradation diseases by targeting osteoclasts using specific markers.
• Use in research for cell-specific delivery of cytokine signaling to dissect biological pathways.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Greatly reduced adverse systemic side effects and toxicity compared to classic cytokine therapies due to cell-specific activity.
• Enhanced efficacy through concentrated therapeutic action at the disease site or on the desired cell population.
• Flexible platform—different cytokines and targeting agents (antibodies, nanobodies, etc.) can be combined for various diseases.
• Potential for combination therapy with other treatments (chemotherapy, antivirals) while minimizing immune or systemic overstimulation.
• Enables lower dosing with potentially equal or greater therapeutic impact.

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Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The present invention relates to a modified a-helical bundle cytokine, with reduced activity via a a-helical bundle cytokine receptor, wherein said a-helical bundle cytokine is specifically delivered to target cells. Preferably, said a-helical bundle cytokine is a mutant, more preferably it is a mutant interferon, with low affinity to the interferon receptor, wherein said mutant interferon is specifically delivered to target cells. The targeting is realized by fusion of the modified a-helical bundle cytokine to a targeting moiety, preferably an antibody. The invention relates further to the use of such targeted modified a-helical bundle cytokine to treat diseases. A preferred embodiment is the use of a targeted mutant interferon, to treat diseases, preferably viral diseases and tumors.